John R. Way

John Robert Way entered into rest on May 27, 2025 at his home. He was 87 years old.
Born on September 23, 1937, he was the eldest child of Vernon Earl and Margie Blair Way. John graduated from Beacon High School in June of 1955 and the following month joined the United States Navy. From February of 1956 to September of 1958, he served in Submarine Squadron 10 aboard the USS Fulton AS11. After his honorable discharge, John owned and operated John R. Way Dairy Products from 1959 to 2007. Thereafter, he worked for the City of Beacon as a school crossing guard, retiring in December of 2018.
On April 21, 1967 he married Natalie Labish in the First Presbyterian Church in Beacon. John was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, a 50-year plus member of both the Elk's Club and the American Legion and a 60-year plus Life Member of Beacon Engine Company #1. John was co-founder and first President of Beacon Pop Warner, and deeply involved for decades in city, county and state volunteer firematic organizations.
Joining Beacon Engine in 1959, over the years John served as Captain, Vice-President, President and Financial Secretary a total of 26 non-consecutive years. He was also a Life Member of Lewis Tompkins Hose Company #1.
On the County level, John served as President and Honorary Director of the Dutchess County Volunteer Firemen's Association and was an honorary member of the Dutchess County V.F.A. Ladies Auxiliary. In addition, he was a 50-plus year Life Member and President of Hudson Valley Volunteer Firemen's Association and an honorary member of the Hudson Valley V.F.A. Ladies Auxiliary. He was an Associate Life Member of the Hudson Mohawk V.F.A. and a member of the Firemen's Association, State of New York. He was a Life Member of the Royal Order of Red Vests and both a Life Member and President of the Royal Order of Blue Vests.
Mr. Way was predeceased by his parents, his wife, Natalie Way, his brother, Richard Way, his sisters, Marilyn May and Carolyn Sneyd and his nephew, Joseph Way. He is survived by his sister, Rhonda (Edward) Wroblewski. In addition, he is survived by five nieces and nephews, including Michael (Sharon) O'Connor, Maureen (Randy) Varnado, Richard Way, Jr., John R. Way II, and Angela (Darin) Fanette; great nieces and nephews and several cousins also survive; in addition, his lifelong friend, Paula Merrit and angel in the guise of neighbor, Jessica Woods and her wonderful family.
Family and friends will gather on Sunday, June 1 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Riverview Funeral Home by Halvey, 2 Beekman Street, Beacon. A Celebration of John's life will be held on Monday, June 2 at 11 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 50 Liberty Street, Beacon. Interment with military honors will follow at Cold Spring Cemetery, Cold Spring.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John's memory to the Firemen's Home, 125 Harry Howard Ave., Hudson, NY 12534.
To send a personal condolence please visit www.riverviewbyhalvey.com.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Riverview Funeral Home by Halvey, LLC.